noun
dragon flute; medium-pitched gagaku transverse flute
Archaic term for a specific gagaku instrument, also called 竜笛 (りゅうてき). Used in historical or musical contexts.
See also: 竜笛
雅楽では、竜吟は竜笛の古い呼び名として知られている。
In gagaku, 竜吟 is known as an old name for the dragon flute.
Modern standard term for the same instrument; 竜吟 is its archaic synonym.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the spelling 竜吟 (literally 'dragon's song') is conventionally associated with the instrument's name in gagaku tradition.